| For Immediate Release
September 23, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
FORMAL SWEARING-IN OF NEW CHIEF OF BUREAU
OF INVESTIGATION BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
TONY RACKAUCKAS
SANTA ANA – Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas formally conducted a swearing-in ceremony and announced today Acting Chief Jeff McLaughlin as the new Chief of the Bureau of Investigation (Bureau) for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA). The Bureau is a 32-unit police agency division of the OCDA. The Bureau consists of nearly 165 sworn law enforcement Investigators and 60 investigative assistants and technical support members, who provide assistance in trial preparation and help investigate original jurisdiction cases.
“I have seen Chief McLaughlin grow from a line Investigator to Commander, and now to Chief. He has a steady demeanor and great judgment. He is often the first one at the Office and the last one to leave. I have great confidence that Chief McLaughlin will help me guide the Office through tough budgetary times ahead and important case decisions.”
“Our office is facing some very challenging times due to the reduced budget and increased workloads,” said Chief McLaughlin. “I am committed to working with our staff in meeting the demands of the job during these tough times.”
Chief McLaughlin began his career in law enforcement in 1982 at the Garden Grove Police Department, where he worked for 14 years. He started as a patrol officer, later becoming a training officer, and finally was promoted to detective. As a detective, Chief McLaughlin specialized in child abuse, sexual assault, and homicide.
Starting at the OCDA in 1996, Chief McLaughlin worked as an Investigator for the Felony Panel, Family Protection, Environmental Protection, Task Force Review aimed at catching Killers, Rapists, and Sexual offenders (TracKRS), and Special Assignments Units. In 2004, he was promoted to Supervising Investigator of Tri-Agency Resource/Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET) and then Administrative Services.
In 2007, Chief McLaughlin was appointed Commander of the Homicide, TracKRS, Sexual Assault, Special Assignments, DNA, and Public Assistance Divisions. As Commander, he was responsible for monitoring and controlling the daily operations of the Bureau including addressing budgetary needs and priorities, developing and implementing Bureau policies and procedures, overseeing the operational and technical direction of the Bureau, and participating in personnel selection procedures. In January 2011, Chief McLaughlin was asked to serve as Acting Chief.
Chief McLaughlin received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach and is married.
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